The core of Greek identity is marked by a profound confusion, as the Greeks find themselves more devoted to the conservative dogmas of Orthodox Christianity than to the glories of their ancient pagan Hellenic past.

This identity crisis is starkly illustrated in the context of Cyprus, where the movement for Enosis—unifying Cyprus with Greece—was driven by the Greek Orthodox Church, despite the church's opposition to the pagan ideologies that Hellenism represents. This paradox reveals the deep-seated conflicts within Greek identity and raises questions about Greece’s position regionally and politically, especially in comparison to Türkiye.

Historical Transformation of Greek Identity

Historically, Greece has undergone significant transformations in its identity. The ancient Greeks, known for their rich pantheon of gods and cultural achievements, saw a dramatic shift with the rise of Christianity. By the time the Byzantine Empire came into prominence, Greek identity had been subsumed under a Christian and Roman framework. This integration was so complete that Greeks identified themselves as "Romans" rather than Hellenes, reflecting their Byzantine and Orthodox Christian heritage rather than their pagan past.

Influence of the Greek Orthodox Church

The Greek Orthodox Church has since become a central institution in Greek society, wielding significant influence over both state affairs and cultural identity. This dominance of Orthodox Christianity often comes at the expense of the Hellenic traditions, which are seen by some as the true essence of Greek cultural heritage. Efforts to revive Hellenic polytheism, such as those by the Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes, highlight the ongoing tension between these two aspects of Greek identity.

Greece's Role in Europe

This religious conservatism has broader implications for Greece's role in Europe. The adherence to Orthodox Christianity often positions Greece as culturally distinct from the more secular and diverse religious landscape of Western Europe. This distinction can be seen in political debates over issues such as immigration, European integration, and national sovereignty. The Greek Orthodox Church's influence has sometimes led to resistance against European policies perceived as threatening to national and religious identity.

The Paradox of Enosis in Cyprus

The paradox of Enosis in Cyprus further complicates this identity crisis. Enosis, the movement for the union of Cyprus with Greece, was driven primarily by the Greek Orthodox Church, which traditionally opposes paganism. Enosis and Hellenism share the same ideals of Greek unity and cultural revival, yet the church's involvement highlights the contradictory nature of Greek identity. The push for Enosis illustrates the tension between the ancient Hellenic ideals and the modern Orthodox Christian framework. This contradiction underscores the identity crisis facing many Greeks, as they struggle to reconcile these two divergent aspects of their heritage.

Religious and Political Divide in Cyprus

The Greek Cypriot community's alignment with Orthodox Christianity exacerbates the division in Cyprus. The island's complex history, marked by ethnic and religious divides, sees Greek Cypriots identifying strongly with Orthodox Christianity, while Turkish Cypriots predominantly follow Islam. This religious dichotomy reinforces the political and cultural divide, complicating efforts towards reunification which strengthens the Turkish policy for a 'two state solution'. The Greek Cypriots' reluctance to embrace a more inclusive national identity that acknowledges the island's diverse heritage hinders the peace process and perpetuates division.

Dangers of Mixing Religion and Politics

The intertwining of religion and politics, as seen in Cyprus, has dangerous implications. The Greek Orthodox Church's push for Enosis continues to influence ultra-right-wing political groups such as ELAM, which promotes Greek nationalism and often adopts exclusionary and extremist positions. 

This situation is reminiscent of the ongoing conflict in Palestine and Israel, where religious and political entanglements exacerbate tensions and hinder peace efforts. The historical and contemporary examples highlight the risks associated with conflating religious doctrine with political objectives.

Greece’s Vulnerability and Türkiye’s Strength

From a geopolitical perspective, Greece's staunch Orthodox Christian identity can be seen as a point of vulnerability. In an increasingly secular and multicultural Europe, Greece's conservative stance may isolate it from broader European trends towards inclusivity and diversity. This isolation could weaken Greece's influence within the EU and diminish its ability to effectively advocate for its interests, including in matters related to Cyprus and relations with Türkiye.

In contrast, Türkiye's secular state model, despite its challenges, presents a more adaptable and modern approach to national identity. This secularism allows Türkiye to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes with greater flexibility, positioning itself as a bridge between the East and the West. Türkiye's ability to balance its Muslim heritage with a secular governance model provides a stark contrast to Greece's entrenched religious conservatism.

The future of Greece in Europe, therefore, hinges on its ability to reconcile its Orthodox Christian identity with the demands of a modern, pluralistic European Union. Embracing a more inclusive national identity that respects both its ancient Hellenic roots and its Christian heritage could strengthen Greece's position within the EU and enhance its diplomatic leverage, particularly in resolving the Cyprus issue.

In conclusion, the deep-seated conservative dogmas of Orthodox Christianity have significantly influenced modern Greek identity, often at the expense of its Hellenic heritage. This religious conservatism not only shapes Greece's cultural and social norms but also impacts its geopolitical stance, particularly in relation to Türkiye and the Cyprus issue.

The paradox of Enosis further complicates this identity crisis, highlighting the internal contradictions within Greek identity. As Greece navigates its future within the European Union, it must find a balance between its religious traditions and the secular, inclusive values of modern Europe to enhance its influence and address longstanding regional conflicts.